A life preserver, also called a life ring, ring buoy, or lifebuoy, is a flotation ring built to keep someone afloat in the water. Beyond its safety role, it has also become a popular way to display a boat’s name. You’ll see them on board and hanging at home alike.
Personalizing a Life Preserver
We start with Coast Guard approved rings, then add your boat name, home port, or family name by hand. Every ring is its own project. First, we send you fonts to review, and then a drawing that shows exactly how your ring will look. If you want the ring to match your transom, just send us a photo. We can even add a burgee, as we did for Gale Ann.
Gold Leaf or Vinyl Lettering
Many of our rings get genuine gold leaf lettering, often with a colored outline so the name stands out against the white ring. For extra sparkle, an engine-turned finish gives the gold a subtle pattern that catches the light, like the rings we made for Whisper. Others get Avery vinyl lettering, including Avery metallic gold. Either way, we prepare the surface first so the lettering stays put. The choice depends on what fits the boat or the space the ring will hang in.
Restoring an Older Life Preserver
An older ring can fade or chip over time, especially if it’s kept outdoors. In that case, we clean it up, refresh the lettering, and protect the finish. The goal is a piece that looks sharp again, whether it goes back on the boat or onto a wall at home. Learn more about our restoration work.
See the Work
- Engine-turned gold leaf for Whisper
- A matching pair for Belle Aurore
- Gold leaf and a burgee for Gale Ann
- Gold leaf lettering for Alligator
- Big, bold lettering for Azura
- Gold and black for a luxury yacht in St. Petersburg, FL
- Rings for the Barstool Sports Super Bowl party
Browse the full gallery, or see our gold leaf boat names. Our What We Do page shows everything we build.
Contact Designs & Signs
Thinking about a custom life preserver of your own? Send us a message through our contact form, or call (410) 798-5115.